North Dakota Golf Cart Laws (2026)
North Dakota golf cart laws: standard golf carts are not street-legal, but registered LSV/NEV-style vehicles may use qualifying roads under the state rules.
Reviewed Jun 2nd, 2026; official source reviewed. General information only; verify state and local requirements before driving.
Key Facts
In North Dakota, standard golf carts are not street legal for general public-road use. The road-legal path is a compliant low-speed vehicle, neighborhood electric vehicle, or similar state-recognized vehicle that can be registered, insured, and operated only where the state rules allow.
For North Dakota, this page is the right place to check age and driver-license questions. Current age rule: Licensed driver (16+). Public-road use can also depend on local authorization and whether the cart is treated as an LSV or NEV.
Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) – 4-wheel, 20–25 mph, ≤3,000 lbs loaded weight
North Dakota Golf Cart Law Map
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Overview
North Dakota allows registered Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) on public roads with certain conditions. An LSV in North Dakota is a four-wheeled vehicle capable of more than 20 mph but not more than 25 mph, with a loaded weight limit of 3,000 pounds. LSVs must be registered under Chapter 39-29.1 and may operate on roads posted at 35 mph or less, with higher-speed roads limited to direct crossings. Chapter 39-29.1 says the title chapter does not apply to these vehicles, so the current rule should be described as registration, not normal title-and-registration like a passenger car. Cities may regulate, restrict, or prohibit LSV operation within city limits, but local authorization is not required for the statewide LSV path. Ordinary golf carts that do not qualify as LSVs are not authorized by this chapter for general public-road use.
County & Local Rules
Local Regulation: North Dakota cities may regulate, restrict, or prohibit LSV operation within city limits, but political subdivisions may not require separate licensing or registration of LSVs. Chapter 39-29.1 does not create a statewide local-permit path for ordinary non-LSV golf carts. Treat a regular golf cart as off the public road unless a separate, official local rule clearly applies to that specific road.
Street-Legal Equipment
Common equipment needed to make your golf cart street-legal in North Dakota. Requirements vary by locality - check your local regulations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about golf cart laws and regulations in North Dakota.
Are golf carts street legal in North Dakota?
Only if the vehicle qualifies as a registered Low-Speed Vehicle. North Dakota Chapter 39-29.1 authorizes LSVs on roads posted at 35 mph or less, with crossing exceptions. A regular golf cart that does not meet the LSV definition is not authorized by that chapter for general public-road use.
Do you need a North Dakota driver's license to drive a golf cart?
Yes, to operate an LSV on public roads you need a valid driver’s license (same as for a car). North Dakota doesn’t explicitly state an age in the LSV law, but since LSVs are registered vehicles, the driver must be licensed (which in ND is 16 for a regular license). If a city allows golf carts locally, they also require licensed drivers. So under any scenario on public streets, a license is required.
Do you need insurance for a street legal golf cart in North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota Century Code requires that any motor vehicle operated on public roads carry liability insurance. An LSV must be insured in order to be registered. Driving without insurance is illegal (ND is an absolute liability insurance state). Even if a city permits golf carts without state registration, the prudent approach is to have insurance coverage, and some cities mandate proof of insurance for local permits.
Are seat belts required in golf carts in North Dakota?
If it’s an LSV, yes, federal standards for LSVs include seat belts. North Dakota’s definition references federal safety standards, which means seat belts, windshield, mirrors, etc., are all required. A basic golf cart doesn’t have those, which is one reason it can’t be registered. So any street-legal LSV in ND will have seat belts for each seat.
How fast can a street legal golf cart go in North Dakota?
North Dakota’s LSV definition caps the speed at 25 mph. So 25 mph is the maximum speed of a street-legal LSV (and many are governed not to exceed that). They’re only allowed on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or below. Traditional golf carts usually top out around 15 mph, but again, those aren’t allowed on public roads unless treated as LSVs.
How old do you have to be to drive a golf cart in North Dakota?
At least 16 with a driver’s license. While ND law doesn’t carve out a special golf cart rule, to drive any vehicle on public streets you need to be licensed. ND issues learner’s permits at 14, but those require supervision, so practically you’d need a full license at 16 to legally drive an LSV solo on the road.
How to register a golf cart in North Dakota?
You cannot register a normal golf cart under North Dakota’s LSV chapter. The vehicle must qualify as a low-speed vehicle under Chapter 39-29.1 and be registered under that chapter. North Dakota law says the normal title chapter does not apply to LSVs, so describe the process as LSV registration rather than ordinary passenger-vehicle titling.
What are the requirements for a street legal golf cart in North Dakota?
It must meet North Dakota’s LSV criteria: four wheels, more than 20 mph but not more than 25 mph, loaded weight of 3,000 pounds or less, and the equipment listed in Chapter 39-29.1, including lights, turn signals, reflectors, service brakes, parking brake, windshield, vehicle identification number, safety belts, and mirrors. It must then be registered as an LSV and used only on roads allowed by the statute.
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